SMILE scheme | A Scheme for Transgender and Beggar Community

SMILE scheme- Relevance for UPSC Exam

• GS Paper 2: Governance, Administration and Challenges- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes.

SMILE scheme- Context

• Recently, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment launched the Central Sector Scheme “SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”.

SMILE scheme- Key Points

• About: SMILE scheme is set to provide welfare and rehabilitation to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.
• Objective: SMILE Scheme aims to provide comprehensive welfare and rehabilitation measures to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.
• Ministry: SMILE Scheme is a central sector scheme, designed and being implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Fund Allocation: The Ministry has allocated Rs. 365 Crore for the scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

SMILE scheme- Key Features

• National Portal & Helpline: It will provide necessary information and solutions to the problems of the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.
• Sub-Schemes under SMILE Scheme: There are two sub-schemes under the SMILE Scheme-
  • Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons’ and
  • ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of engaged in the act of Begging’.

SMILE scheme- Sub-schemes

• Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons:
  • It provides Scholarships for Transgender Students studying in IX and till ost-graduation to enable them to complete their education.
  • It has provisions for Skill Development and Livelihood under the PM-DAKSH scheme.
  • Through Composite Medical Health, it provides a comprehensive package in convergence with PM-JAY supporting Gender-Reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals.
  • The Housing facility in the form of ‘Garima Greh’ ensures food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development opportunities, recreational activities and medical support etc. to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.
  • The Provision of Transgender Protection Cell in each state will monitor cases of offenses and ensure timely registration, investigation and prosecution of offences.
  • The National Portal & Helpline will provide necessary information and solutions to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging when needed.
• Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of engaged in the act of Begging: It will focus on Survey and identification, Mobilisation, Rescue/ Shelter Home and Comprehensive resettlement.

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